Ellison hopes Cheetahs are up for it

Rebels journeyman Tamati Ellison hopes the Cheetahs bring their 'A-game' when the two sides meet in a Super Rugby Round Three encounter in Melbourne on Friday.

The Rebels, who only start their campaign this week, will a Cheetahs side with no shortage of Springboks and coming off a victory against the Bulls.

The Cheetahs, who won three games back-to-back on their Australasian tour last year, made the play-offs for the first time in 2013.

"We hope it will be a challenging match," Ellison said in an interview on the Rebels website.

"It's our first game, and we want to face their best side for sure. If we get anything less it will be disappointing.

"We have reasonably clear expectations on ourselves and those spectators who are at the game will see a group of guys who will show some desperation and a real willingness to work for each other.

"I think they will see some brutality as well; we're ready to go! It will be great for people to have a first look at a new side in a new campaign."

Ellison, who will start in the No.13 jersey, said his body "feels great".

Ellison's career has taken him across New Zealand, playing in both the North and South Islands, as well as over to Japan and to Europe as a representative of the world champion All Blacks.

Now, it's taken him to Melbourne and Super Rugby's newest franchise; but the boy from Porirua is fast feeling at home at the franchise.

"It's easy for me, because I understand the rugby side of things, and the on-field staff have been very clear with all of that.

"I am really enjoying Melbourne, it's a great place, and we've been out and about a fair bit on the trams; I'm enjoying our base here in Carlton too.

"I think having guys who I have played with before, such as Telusa Veainu and Scott Fuglistaller, helps [with settling].

"Anywhere you go, it's always good to have guys you have worked with before and know, and trust."